The UPSC civil services exam is considered one of the toughest as well as prestigious exams in the country. Not only is the UPSC syllabus lengthy and comprehensive, but the question papers are also quite unpredictable. Apart from that, there have been notable changes in the pattern of the IAS exam notably in the past few years. From increasing the number of papers and reducing the number of words, the UPSC has done it all. This article chronicles the UPSC CSE pattern changes in the last few years. There has been no major change in the UPSC pattern since the year 2015.

Since 2011, the UPSC has made significant changes in the civil services exam pattern.

Major changes in the IAS exam pattern from 2011 to 2015.

2011

Prior to 2011, there were two prelims papers, one for General Studies and the second for the optional subject. This optional prelims paper was replaced with the CSAT in 2011.

2013

For the mains exam, 2 optional subjects were replaced with only one optional subject.

There were 2 GS papers previously. This was increased to 4 GS papers. GS Paper IV on ‘Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude’ was a new subject addition.

Generally, there was an increase in the number of questions and a cut down on the word limit.

Summary of UPSC Exam Pattern Changes:

Before 2013

2013

GS papers mains

2 papers of 300 marks each

4 papers of 250 marks each

First optional mains

2 papers of 300 marks each

2 papers of 250 marks each

Second optional mains

2 papers of 300 marks each

Removed

Essay paper mains

200 marks

250 marks

Interview

300 marks

275 marks

After 2013, the weightage given to optional subjects reduced to 24% from 52%. Weightage of the general studies papers increased from 26% to 48%.

2014

The total number of attempts for general candidates increased from 4 to 6.

Age limit for general candidates increased from 30 to 32.

The essay paper saw a change. Previously only one essay had to be written for 250 marks. A choice of four topics was given in the paper. Now, candidates had to write 2 essays. Each topic had to be selected out of four topic choices.

2015

Prior to 2015, both the GS paper and the CSAT were considered for merit in the UPSC prelims exam. After 2015, owing to pressure from various student bodies and public, the CSAT was turned into a qualifying exam. Candidates have to score at least 33% in the CSAT and the prescribed cut-off in the GS paper I to qualify for the IAS Mains exam.